은/는 vs 이/가
Explanation
은/는 marks the topic — what you are talking about, often known information or contrast: 저는 학생이에요.
이/가 marks the grammatical subject, often new information or focus: 누가 왔어요? → 친구가 왔어요.
Batchim → 은 / 이; open syllable → 는 / 가. The choice is meaning, not “which is more polite.”
Same noun, different jobs: 고양이는 귀여워요 (as for cats…) vs 고양이가 있어요 (there is a cat / a cat exists).
If you are answering “who/what did it?”, start with 이/가. If you are setting a theme or contrasting, 은/는 is usually right.
This page focuses on “은/는 vs 이/가.” Read for meaning first, then re-read looking only at formality and particle choice — those two details decide whether you sound natural.
After the explanation, study the worked examples and the common mistakes. Then take the one-question check so you know you did not only skim.
Connect this page to nearby Chamelingo lessons and tools. Isolated tips do not stick; a graph of vocabulary + grammar + speaking does. Use the related links at the bottom to keep walking the graph.
When you can explain “은/는 vs 이/가” in one plain English sentence and produce one new Korean example without looking, you are ready to move on — then review again within 24 hours.
Examples
저는 커피를 좋아해요.
As for me, I like coffee. (topic)
친구가 왔어요.
A friend came. (subject focus)
오늘은 시간이 없어요.
As for today, I don’t have time.
Common mistakes
- Treating 은/는 and 이/가 as free swaps.
- Always using 은/는 because self-intros start with 저는.
How to practice
- Level: beginner–friendly explanation; still re-check formality with a native conversation partner when stakes are high.
- Say every example out loud, then change one slot (place, time, or person) to force production — not only recognition.
- After reading, open Chamelingo and recycle the same pattern in a lesson or speaking practice so it enters long-term memory.
Check yourself
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